Former SF Nonprofit CEO Charged With Misappropriating Public Funds

Prosecutors allege Gwendolyn Westbrook enriched herself through a 'double salary' and withdrawals from the nonprofit's accounts.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The former CEO of a San Francisco homelessness nonprofit, Gwendolyn Westbrook, is facing nine felony charges for allegedly misappropriating over $1.2 million in public funds. Prosecutors say Westbrook paid herself a secret 'double salary' and withdrew nearly $900,000 from the nonprofit's accounts for personal use, with an additional $1.4 million remaining unaccounted for.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about oversight and accountability for nonprofits receiving significant public funding to address critical social issues like homelessness. The alleged misuse of funds could undermine public trust and the ability of legitimate organizations to secure future funding.

The details

According to court documents, between 2019 and 2023, Westbrook paid herself over $867,000 in salary through the nonprofit and an additional $467,000 through an 'unusual' compensation method involving the nonprofit's fiscal sponsor. Investigators also found that $897,000 of the nearly $3 million in cash withdrawn from the nonprofit's accounts was deposited into Westbrook's personal accounts.

  • Between 2019 and 2023, Westbrook paid herself a secret 'double salary' from the nonprofit.
  • From 2019 to 2023, Westbrook withdrew nearly $3 million in cash from the nonprofit's accounts, with $897,000 deposited into her personal accounts.
  • In 2022, a city controller's office audit spurred the investigation into Westbrook's actions.

The players

Gwendolyn Westbrook

The former CEO of the San Francisco homelessness nonprofit United Council of Human Services, who is facing nine felony charges for allegedly misappropriating over $1.2 million in public funds.

United Council of Human Services (UCHS)

A San Francisco-based nonprofit that received nearly $28 million from the city's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to provide housing and services to the homeless.

San Francisco District Attorney's Office

The office that is prosecuting Westbrook for the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

San Francisco Controller's Office

The office that conducted an audit in 2022 that uncovered issues with UCHS's handling of funds and led to the investigation into Westbrook.

Heluna Health

The fiscal sponsor that was involved in an 'unusual' compensation method that allowed Westbrook to receive an additional $467,000 from UCHS.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who abuse the public's trust accountable for their actions.”

— Chesa Boudin, San Francisco District Attorney (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Westbrook is scheduled to return to court on March 9 for her arraignment on the nine felony charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability measures for nonprofits receiving significant public funding, to ensure resources are used as intended to serve the community's needs rather than enrich individuals in leadership positions.